"Daddy's Home 2," the movie set to open Friday and starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, pumped $19 million into the Massachusetts economy while filming in the area, according to the Motion Picture Association of America.

The industry group's CEO, Charles Rivkin, singled out the state's large and controversial film tax credit program as a boon that will continue to help movie productions head to the Bay State for filming locations.

"The production of Daddy's Home 2 demonstrates the powerful economic impact of film and television on local communities across the country," he said in a statement. "According to Paramount Pictures, the film supported more than 350 local businesses in communities across Massachusetts."

Gov. Charlie Baker had attempted to phase out the film tax credit, arguing that it isn't a good way to spend state money as his administration grapples with limited revenues. His economic development chief, Jay Ash, told lawmakers a third of all wages created through the credit went to people with salaries over $1 million, the State House News Service reported.

But state lawmakers rebuffed Baker after local film industry officials and unions rallied behind the tax credit.

"Daddy's Home 2" spent 100 days earlier this year filming in 16 communities, including Great Barrington, Clinton, Westford, Lawrence and Plymouth.

The Motion Picture Association of America said 2,800 workers took home $10 million in wages.

"The production of this holiday comedy in the Commonwealth supported thousands of jobs, paid generous wages, and invested more than $19 million into the local economy," US Congressman Richard Neal said in a statement accompanying the MPAA's release. "I know the food and service industry in Berkshire County particularly enjoyed the benefits of having the cast and crew in the region for several weeks."